Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 still under development, next RX-8 to be called RX-9
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 12th 2009 at 8:36PM 
The recent news out of Japan hasn't been good for fans of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-doors. First came word that Subaru and Toyota were postponing the launch of their boxer-powered RWD coupe, then the S2000 is killed off and finally reports suggest that Nissan has cancelled its Silvia successor. Thankfully, all is not lost. InsideLine is reporting that Mazda is hard at work on another version of the RX-7 and development is underway on the next RX-8, supposedly – and predictably – dubbed the RX-9.According to IL's (traditionally) unnamed sources, Mazda is working on a 16X twin-rotor Wankel (two rotors, each displacing 800cc), boosting displacement of the current 13B by 300cc and putting out upwards of 270 hp in naturally aspirated guise. Mazda's aim for its next generation of rotary engines is to dramatically reduce emissions and boost fuel economy to the tune of 20%.
Mazda will likely use the same engine to motivate the RX-7, but in addition to offering a traditional manual gearbox, Mazda is developing a dual-clutch transmission with a twist: the DCT will allow drivers to set the exact points where the clutch packs engage for maximum performance on the track.
The RX-7's circuit-friendly cred is enhanced by the report that Mazda engineers are struggling to keep the coupe's curb weight in check. An all-new chassis is being developed that will supposedly eliminate around 220 pounds, bringing the RX-7's weight down to approximately 2,640 pounds.
We're keeping our fingers crossed that both the RX-7 and RX-9 will make an appearance during this year's show season, although the way things are going, we don't expect to see either at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.
[Source: Inside Line | Image: Motor Magazine via Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Kumail 8:42PM (2/12/2009)
I am very interested in the RX-7...
Reply
Hank Fidel 10:41PM (2/12/2009)
I too am interested in the Audi RX-7
Affalterbach 11:08PM (2/12/2009)
@Hank
Yeah, I'm interested in the Volkswagen A8 W12
hashiryu 11:29PM (2/12/2009)
Why do they insist in calling it the RX-7? The were 3 iterations of the RX-7, then they moved on to the RX-8. The next logical iteration is 9, just like before the RX-7, existed the RX-5 and RX-3 .....wtf!?!?!
Anyway, bring it Mazda, and make sure this time it has a turbo model like it's supposed to.
Affalterbach 11:42PM (2/12/2009)
@hasiryu
The same reason why the 911 is called the 911 and not the 964, 993, etc.
The truth is that there is a lot of power and emotion in the RX-7 name. It means a lot to so many people. The car doesn't become better after wearing it, but it does become more 'meaningful'.
And for the record, the RX-7 has had 3 generations previous to this (1978-2002). In other words, its epic. The name that is.
Red 2:21PM (2/13/2009)
@ hashiryu,
The RX-8 was never designed as a continuation of the RX-7, which is why it seats four and technically has four doors (technically). The RX-8 and RX-7 were supposed to co-exist after the RX-8 was developed. It's just taken some years for that to happen.
pmiddle5 2:37PM (2/13/2009)
the rx7 is a 2 door hatch coupe. Thus if they make a car in said form it will be an rx7. If they make a 2nd generation car that has suicide doors and a full back seat it will be another rx8. Should BMW not make a 3, 5 , or 7 series since they have done so previously
tanooki2003 11:38AM (2/14/2009)
now this peeks my curiosity
fixitfixitstop 10:33PM (2/18/2009)
tanooki, the word you mean is "piques".
Mazda FTW! 8:49PM (2/12/2009)
Hey no credit for the tip??
:)
Reply
Mobius_1 6:47AM (2/13/2009)
I, as a loyal Autoblog reader, would like to thank you for the tip!
And if the news here do come true, Mazda FTW!
Damon Lavrinc 10:52AM (2/13/2009)
Interesting. You assume we didn't see the IL report as soon as it went live? We did, and I spent the next 3 hours trying to track down a comment from Mazda Japan... to no avail.
Jeremy 1:43PM (2/13/2009)
Thanks for the tip, but the 16x has been confirmed by Mazda execs for what feels like a year now and everything else is just a rumor which has been rehashed thousands of times on the RX-8 boards. I guess it's nice to have it out in the open and all, but it's surprising how late the news came.
Affalterbach 3:29AM (2/15/2009)
I just hope someone from Mazda is reading this.
Paul P. 8:54PM (2/12/2009)
A modern 270hp 2,640lb RX7? Sounds good to me.
Reply
skeeler 9:22PM (2/12/2009)
This is excellent news. I'm very interested in getting a rotary-powered car, but I'm waiting for the 16X's improved fuel economy, emissions, power, and especially torque. If the 16X delivers everything it promises, and if the RX-9 has the "freestyle" doors like the current '8, I'll certainly be getting one as my family car. I would even consider also getting a '7 to replace my Miata as my track car. An all-rotary fleet!
Bring on the rotaries, Mazda.
Quattroporte 9:47PM (2/12/2009)
While I know it has a V6, I want to know why the aluminum Lotus Evora is 300lbs. heavier.
Paul P. 10:03PM (2/12/2009)
The Lotus Evora is a four seater coupe. The quoted weight of 2,640lbs is for the two seater RX7. The RX8/9 would weigh in closer to 2,850lbs, which is within 100lbs of the rear engined V6 Evora.
If you want to compare the RX7 weight with a Lotus, then you have to look at the Elise/Exige, which weighs 500-600lbs less than the RX7.
letstakeawalk 8:55PM (2/12/2009)
You say Mazda, I say last gen Camaro...
No offense intended, and I know it's not a final design, but who else sees a similarity in that view?
Reply
LloydChiro 8:58PM (2/12/2009)
That's the first thing I saw in that rendering.
I would be happy if they just make it look like the last RX-7, but with an updated interior.